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What do I need to know about obtaining a Thai driver's license for a car and motorcycle as an expat?
ThailandDriver's LicenseExpat AdviceMotorcycle LicenseCar LicenseIDPScooterDriving in BangkokVisa and ImmigrationTraffic Regulations
Jan 9, 2026
4 months ago
Jump****
ORIGINAL POSTERHello all, I’m moving to Thailand soon and will have IDP for my home country. I’ve recently learned that there are two different drivers licenses I can obtain in Thailand, for car and motorcycle, and was hoping to gain a little knowledge from people that have obtained these?
My first question is whether I would need the motorcycle version of a drivers license to ride a scooter/moped that I could rent, and if that license is universal for that type of transportation or is it just based on the size of the engine you intend on riding?
If I only had a drivers license for cars and was pulled over for riding a bike, what would be the ticket?
Regarding the process of obtaining both of these, if I’m in Bangkok, what do I need to have, where do I need to go, and is there a practical driving test for both of these to show that I can drive a car and a scooter or is it only written?  Any practical advice would be welcomed? Cost?
Lastly, are there any benefits to having either of these licenses aside from their literal uses? For example, does having a drivers license an ID make certain government processes little easier?
Thanks again!
My first question is whether I would need the motorcycle version of a drivers license to ride a scooter/moped that I could rent, and if that license is universal for that type of transportation or is it just based on the size of the engine you intend on riding?
If I only had a drivers license for cars and was pulled over for riding a bike, what would be the ticket?
Regarding the process of obtaining both of these, if I’m in Bangkok, what do I need to have, where do I need to go, and is there a practical driving test for both of these to show that I can drive a car and a scooter or is it only written?  Any practical advice would be welcomed? Cost?
Lastly, are there any benefits to having either of these licenses aside from their literal uses? For example, does having a drivers license an ID make certain government processes little easier?
Thanks again!
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses the requirements and processes for expats wanting to obtain a car and motorcycle driver's license in Thailand. Key questions include whether a motorcycle license is needed to ride a scooter or moped, potential penalties for riding without the appropriate license, practical steps to obtain both licenses in Bangkok, and the advantages of having a local driver's license in Thailand. Comments provide further insights on the legal implications of driving without a motorcycle license, experiences with the International Driving Permit (IDP), and the importance of insurance when driving.
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Jump****
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat would you guys suggest with regard to getting insurance for either a rental or when one buys a car? Are these not standard offerings to a foreigner? 
Chris **********
Your rental company should have insurance for the vehicle, always ask. For yourself, lol at travel insurance from your own home country that will cover you in Thailand
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Chris **********
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Tony **********
If you are going to reside here, the licenses are a good idea. You can get discounts at some places like golf courses by showing your license. You can also use your license to check into most hotels. Riding a scooter without a motorcycle license will invalidate any insurance you might have.
Nick ************
Forget the ticket and worry more about not being insured.
Chris **********
Spot on! The ticket will only be a couple of thousand baht. A possible hospital stay and surgeries can start pushing towards a hundred thousand if not more us dollars if you're uninsured because you're riding unlicensed
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Chris **********
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Chuck **********
You don’t want to drive in Bangkok, believe me
Daren ********
@Chuck *********
I drive in Bangkok everytime I am there.Reply to
Daren ********
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John **********
From a Thai perspective it doesn't matter how long your IDP is valid for, it's only good for 3 months inside Thailand then you need to get a Thai licence
Chris **********
It's 3 months per entry just to add to that
@Jo**
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Chris **********
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Michael ********
I am in the uk and got my IDP yesterday. There are actually 3 different ones, for thailand you need number 1985. This costs £5.50 but only obtainable from Pay Point shops. Formerly it was the AA, then Post Offices, but 2 years ago taken over by PayPoint. This is the easy bit as not all shops will be licenced for the 1985 one. Depends where you live, they pay for providing any or all of the 3. I had to phone up 3 shops to find one selling the 1985 one that covers thailand. You will need your current drivers licence where the shop will fill in your driving entitlements, also need your passport and one passport photo. I get one every year and they are valid for one year.
Michael ********
On the front, below where it is written "International Driving Permit", it is written the convention date of 8 November 1968.
Pete *******
@Michael *******
incorrect. Thailand recognizes IDP’s issued under both the 1949 and 1968 conventions. The 1968 has a 3 year validity. The 1985 ASEAN agreement has to do with recognition of domestic driving licenses between participating ASEAN countries. Nothing to do with the UK or the IDP. There is no such thing as a 1985 IDP.Michael ********
@Pete ******
I cannot comment on the veracity of the reply to my post, I am correct however when I say the 1985 permit is valid for one year.Pete *******
@Michael *******
there are only 3 different IDPs, 1926, 1948, and 1968. I have no idea what you are referring to when you mention a 1985 permit available from PayPoint. Their website refers you to the 1968 IDP for driving in Thailand.Michael ********
@Pete ******
I stand corrected, I should have written 1968Newfarang ****
@Michael *******
I recently got an idp in the uk it doesn’t say what idp number it is but it is valid for 3 years.Ron ******
Newfarang 57 The IDP may be valid for three years, that doesn't mean it's legal to drive here for three years using it and your foreign licence.
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Ron ******
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Brandon ************
If you don't have a motorcycle license in your home country, which is also reflected on your IDP, you cannot legally drive any motorcycle in Thailand. Whatever name you use for it, whether it's moped, scooter, motorcycle etc, needs a motorcycle license.
Appointments for most DLT offices in Bangkok are usually months out. I believe the office in Chatuchak takes a certain number of walkins daily, if you arrive early.
If you have an IDP you shouldn't need to take the written or driving test for the corresponding license type, but if you don't have a license for that type already, you would need to do both. You can register with a driving school which will take a couple of days which will let you get that license. Many of them can get you into the DLT without appointment as well.
Appointments for most DLT offices in Bangkok are usually months out. I believe the office in Chatuchak takes a certain number of walkins daily, if you arrive early.
If you have an IDP you shouldn't need to take the written or driving test for the corresponding license type, but if you don't have a license for that type already, you would need to do both. You can register with a driving school which will take a couple of days which will let you get that license. Many of them can get you into the DLT without appointment as well.
Jump****
ORIGINAL POSTERHey Brendan, thanks.
I picked up my IDP today and it is only for driving a car. So if I wanna drive a scooter when I get there, I suppose I’ll be registering in a driving school. Are there any in Bangkok you recommend?
Also, even though I drive cars well, driving from the opposite side of the car and on the opposite side of the street is different than what I’m used to. Is it pretty common to get familiar with the new system in a driving school for this as well? Might as well use my retirement time productively
I picked up my IDP today and it is only for driving a car. So if I wanna drive a scooter when I get there, I suppose I’ll be registering in a driving school. Are there any in Bangkok you recommend?
Also, even though I drive cars well, driving from the opposite side of the car and on the opposite side of the street is different than what I’m used to. Is it pretty common to get familiar with the new system in a driving school for this as well? Might as well use my retirement time productively
Mike ********
Jumper25 even if you get your driving licence in Thailand your insurance in your home country won’t cover you be carful
Jump****
ORIGINAL POSTERHey Mike, is there anything to be aware of with regard to getting a rental car from time to time? Will they offer insurance, like they do in the US?
Separately, if I were to buy a car, wouldn’t I just get local insurance? Why would one try to get coverage in the US? Thanks. 
Separately, if I were to buy a car, wouldn’t I just get local insurance? Why would one try to get coverage in the US? Thanks. 
Daren ********
Jumper25 The rental car companies do have insurance. You wouldn't get US insurance if you bought a car here you would get Thai insurance.
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Daren ********
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Mick *****
Yep getting the right license first is a great idea. As for driving on the other side of the road as an Australian I have done a bit of driving in the US and Canada. It's generally easy, you get good visual guidance from the other traffic and parked cars. The times I tended to fluff it up was country roads late at night if there was no traffic around.
Steven *******
I’m from the US and got used to driving on the left pretty quickly (you have to). Getting used to having the turn signals swapped with the windshield wipers took a little longer.
Kim *******
@Steven ******
This part really screwed me up. I was constantly hitting the wipers whenever I wanted to turn. Even now after 8 solid years of driving here, I still do it sometimes. I agree with the left hand right hand side driving. That doesn't take very long. It is a little weird at first to have the car on the other side of you.Brandon ************
@Steven ******
the windshield wipers get a good workout!Reply to
Brandon ************
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Brandon ************
Jumper25 driving on the opposite side isn't difficult. You get used to it quickly. I hear people talk about Honda driving school
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Brandon ************
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